Since 9/11, demand for satellite communications (SATCOM) significantly increased and warfare changed dramatically. Yet the business model of buying commercial SATCOM (COMSATCOM) on the spot market using operational contingency or supplemental funds has not changed.

An AMERGINT Technologies Focus—SmallSats: Can an enterprise ground system keep pace?, By Rob Andzik, Amergint Technologies

Traditionally, government satellites required five to 10 year development cycles, and the completed spacecraft was factored with an operational lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is increasingly concerned about security and the availability of tactical networks and tactical communications for traditional command and control (C&C), surveillance and reconnaissance activities, while simultaneously increasing the reliance on networking for new capabilities such as coordination of joint/coalition warfighting, electronic and cyber warfare, and fielding unmanned and robotic systems. Recent advances in mobile devices also increase the DoD’s reliance on secure wireless networking.

Off-air testing of ‘ground station’ equipment has come a long way since the dawn of geostationary satellite communications nearly half a century ago.

Demystifying the CNSSP-12, Part 2, with Andrew D’Uva of Providence Acess Company, By Ryan Schradin, Executive Editor, Government Satellite Report, and Senior Contributor

In the January issue of MilsatMagazine, the Ryan Schradin of the Government Satellite Report presented part one of a two-part conversation with Andrew D’Uva, the President of the Providence Access Company.

The Power of Satellite—Communication in Times of Emergency, By Doreet Oren, Director, Product Marketing and Corporate Communications, Gilat Satellite Networks

The fourth largest island in the Caribbean and home to 3.5 million people, the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico is best known for tropical landscapes and resort hotels — the perfect spot for a relaxing vacation.